Breathing device



June 7, 1960 J. P. FAY

BREATHING DEVICE 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed June 19, 1958 INVENTOR. James J? Fay June 7, 1960 J. P. FAY 2,939,471

BREATHING DEVICE Filed June 19, 1958 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. ames P F dT'TO/PA/Efl United States ?atent Olfice 2,939,471 7 BREATHING DEVICE, James P. ra 1:; France St., Norwalk, Conn. Filed June 19, I958, Ser. No. 143,14"!v Claims. Cl. 137-64 This invention relates to regulators for controlling the release of breathable gas or air from. a highpressure reservoir responsive to the act of breathing.

It is among the objects to provide an improved simplified and compact arrangement of the valves in the inhalation chamber. and of the diaphragm-controlled valve actuating mechanism therefor, and also to provide simple, compact and improved means providing for a reserve supply of air and a flushing operation. 1

A further'object is to provlde an arrangement whereby -the partsof theregulator can be rapidly and inexpensively assembled, and the invention, therefore, also involves practical and compact novel sub-assemblies or component ,units.

In accordance with these objects, the invention provides a regulator. device that has a casing closed by a diaphragm to constitute an inhalation chamber connected to a supply of breathable gas or air under pressure. A valve housing mounted within the inhalation chamber has primary valve means mounted therein connected to the supply through an interposed pressure reducing valve ducing pressure provided for bythe reducing valve.

The valve actuating mechanism responsive to the movements of the diaphragm comprises a novel arrangement of the above valves with a novel valve-actuating linkage mechanism for controlling the flow of breathable gas from the high pressure supply to the inhalation chamber in response to the movement of the diaphragm caused by variations of pressure in the inhalation chamber due to the breathing of air therefrom. A novel control mechanism according to this invention cooperates with the novel linkage system effective to sequentially operate primary and secondary valve means to control the supply of air through the primary valve means down to a certain predetermined valve to establish a reserve supply in the reservoir, and to be thereafter operated to permit use of the reserve air supply through the secondary valve means upon manipulation of a manually operated reserve mechanism. Also, the control mechanism can operate the linkage mechanism to provide a flushing operation of the breathing hose.

According to one feature, the mechanism has a pair of pivotally mounted-valve actuators, the one operatively associated with the primary valve, the other with the reserve valve, both actuators being controlled by the movements of the diaphragm to operate the valves. According to this feature, the valve actuating means controlled the movements of the diaphragm normally oper- 2,939,471 Patented June 7, 1960 2 ate the primary valve preferentially against the reduced pressure provided by the reducing valve, while unable to overcome the full air pressure holding the secondary valves closed until the supply pressure will have dropped low enough to indicate that the reserve pressure value has been reached and actuation of the control means to reserve position will cause the actuating means to open the secondary valve means.

A further feature of the invention resides in the. location of the control means in the inhalation chamber and the fact that it is operable in response to a sliding action to directly control the actuating linkage for the valves to prevent operation of the secondary valves and inadvertent use of the reserve supply.

Qther features and advantages will hereinafter appear.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a top view of the breathing apparatus of this invention including the high pressure tank and the regulator unit with connections, withthe parts positioned inthe' manner in which they are carried by the user.

Fig. 2 is a side view partly broken away of the apparatus of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a greatly enlarged detail transverse sectional view of the regulator of Fig. '1, showing the disposition of the diaphragm-controlled valve actuating mechanism.

Fig. 4 is a top view of the inhalation chamber, partly in section, showing the relation of the valve mechanism, valve actuating mechanism and the control mechanism.

Fig. 5 is a sectional view taken on line 5-5 of Fig. 4 with the control member in normal position.

Fig. 6 is a sectional view taken along line 6--6 :of Fig. 4.

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary view showing the relation of the actuating mechanism and control mechanism in normal position.

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary view showing the relation of the actuating mechanism and control mechanism in reserve position.

In the accompanying drawings a portable underwater breathing apparatus according to Figs. 1 and 2 embodying .the invention comprises a vertical tank or cylinder 10 of breathable gas or air under high pressure and adapted to thereof a neck 11 to which is fastened detachably, although rigidly, a novel regulator unit 12. The connection is by means of a clamp device 13 comprising the usual shackle member 14 extending rigidly from the regulator together with the fastening screw 15 therein whereby the regulator is fastened to the neck in order to establish the high pressure air connection between the regulator and the tank. The neck 11 has the usual hand-operated shutoff valve 16.

The regulator comprises a casing '17 and an associated shell 18 which may be open to the surrounding medium. A diaphragm 19 is interposed and tightly gripped-along its periphery between the casing and the shell so that the casing and the diaphragm will constitute an inhalation chamber 20. A flexible inhaling connection 22 leads from the inhalation chamber 20 to a mouthpiece 23 which mouthpiece is also connected through a flexible exhalation conduit means 24 having a flap valve 244 to shell 18, the mouthpiece 23 containing the usual pair of check valves, here not visible, one for inhalation and one for exhalation.

In a preferred embodiment, as in the regulator shown in Figs. 3, 4 and 5, the casing 17 has a fiat bottom portion 26 and a wall portion 27 terminating in a peripheral flange 28. The complementary upper shell 18 is a pan-shaped cover portion which is open to the surrounding medium, as isindicated by openings 18a, and which extends over the diaphragm upon the casing 17, and having a flat top portion 39 and a wall portion 30 terminatthe valve 16 on the tank and constitu'es the compressed airconnection through which the regulator is connected with the compressed air tank 10. While the'neck'34 and shackle member can be secured to the casing in any manner, they are herein illustrated as being weldedorbrazed together as indicated at 36, 37 and 38 forrninga' rigid connection and seal the'rebetween.

The bore in the neck34 provides a chamber 39 communicating with a system of airsupply passages or ports 40, 41 and 42 in the valve housing 35, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4, through which air from tank is admitted into the inhalation chamber by way of a special and novel valve arrangement as exemplified by the use of pin-actuated valves of the Schrader or Dill type. The port 40 has a vertical entrance portion 40a which has mounted in it a pressure reducing valve 43 extending longitudinally coaxial with the entrance portion 40a of passage 40, the mounting of the valve being by way of a threaded connection 44. A transverse exit portion 40b of port 40 has I mounted in it by similar threaded connection a primary control valve 45 extending coaxial with-the transverse exit portion-40b of theport, and'having a depressible spring-urged actuating-'- pin 46 protruding laterally from the side 35a of the valve housing 35. Depression of the resiliently yieldable operating pin 46 will, according to the setting of the "pressure reducing valve, admit air to restore normal operating pressure into the inhalation chamber 20. Ports 41 and 42 extend from the bore 39 and each has a transverse exit portion 41a, 42a provided with identical secondary control valves 47 and 48 respectively, each being threaded therein by resiliently depressible spring-urged operating pins 49 and 50 respectively projecting from the side 35b of the housing opposite the primaryvalve so that the pressure exerted upon these pins will admit air directly from the compressed air tank 10 through the bore 39, ports 41 and 42 into the inhalation chamber '20,- bypassing the pressure reducing valve 43.

Therefore, according to this invention, with thetwo secondary valve means being exposed to thefull pressure of'the gassupply in the tank lll-the valve operatingpins thereof will present greater resistance to opening movement than the operating p'in of the single'primary valve which is subjected only topressure establishedby the reducing valve. Because of that pressure differential, the valve actuating mechanism will act to operate only the primary valve during normal operation of the regulator.

In the illustrated form of the invention, thevalve actuator mechanism for the primary valve comprises apair of links, preferably substantially V-shaped frame members or hell cranks-51, 52 located on opposite sides of the housing 35 to overlie the faces 35c, 35d thereof and are pivoted thereto about a transverse axis by pivots 53 adjacent the apex of the V. As shown in Fig; 4, one pair of legs 51a, 52a extends'u'pward-ly adjacent the face 35a of the housing'and is connected by cross'bar 54-adapfed to overlie 'andcontact the projecting valve'pin'46 and the otherpair of legs 51b, 52b'extending'diagonally aeross the housingand'pivot'ally 'connected' topIate-SS erapair of hinged plates '55, 56 secured to the, diaphragm 19 'to be actuated'thereby; The hinge pin 57"is-dis'posed above the housing 35 and'isso lo'cat'ed 'that thetop "'35e of the housing forms a stop' for the diaphragm on itsfcollapsing movement. is of H 'rhepin has'its'axis parallel to tl'i'e f the 'PlVOt 53.- The valve actuator mechanism foi"the secondary valves includes a 'pair of liliks'j'pre'ferablysub-'- stantially vpee frame members er bell cranks 58; -59

- pivotally' mountednntaenensingos- YpiVot GO'to'ovEb lie the faces 35c, 35d, the axis of pivot 60 being spaced from and parallel to the axis of pivot 53. The legs 58a, 59a extend upwardly adjacent the face 35b and are connected by a crossbar 61 to overlie and contact the pivot pins 49, 50 of the secondary valves. The other legs 58b, 59b extend diagonally across the housing and are pivotally connected to the other hinged plate 56 secured to the diaphragm. It will be seen -thatthe hinge plates and actuator mechanisms form' a linkagesys't'em for actuating the valves in response to operation, of the diaphragm. Preferably, the pivots for the tvvoactuators provide willcient lateral play to enable slight shiftingof the diaphragm during the operation of the regulator as will be explained.

It will be seen with the foregoing "structure that as the air is withdrawn from the inhalation chamber during the breathing operation it will cause the diaphragm to move downwardly and move the hinge pin on the plates into engagement with the flat top of the housing. This acti'oh will cause the pivoted connection of the valve actuator mechanism to the plates to move away from one another and outwardly toward the periphery of the cas- 'ingwhereb the actuators will pivot on the housing and movethe crossbars 54 and 61 into operative relation with thest'ems of the valves. Inasmuch as the primary valve means embodies asingle valve and has a lower pressure impressed thereon as compared to the two secondary valve means; the primary valve means will be actuated under normal operation of the regulator to connect the inhalasrvein the tank which will not pass the reducing valve,

thus' preventing restoration of the pressure in the inhaladon-chamber. This will warn the user of the condition and advise him to switch to the reserve supply in the tank. This is accomplished by providing a novel control mechanism, as shown in Figs. 4-8; wherein'a sleeve 61a is provided to extend outwardly through the casing to project preferably from the lower wall thereof,-as shown iii-Fig.2. and is welded thereto to form a seal. The end of the sleeve disposed within the chamber 20 is secured by welding-or'the like to the face 35b of the housing 35 below the'seeondary valves as 'shown'in Figs. 3 to 5. Within the sleeve'there is "mounted'an actuating rod 62 for longitudinal sliding movement, which rod hasend'62a projecting fromtlie end'ofthe sleeve and connected to a manually operated control means 63 (Fig.2). Therod and sleeve areefiectively sealed against-the passage-of fluid into'the hennn' ty an O-ring 64 at one end thereof. The other wi th;an nular grooves 69,70'011 the 'rod which locate the conical portion in normal or reserve position. One end o f' th'e wire is bent at 66a into'interlocked relation to maintain the loop in position, while permitting the loop to yield when the control memberismoved' axially in the sleeve; v

A s shown in Figs. 4, 5, 6 and 7 the control means is in normal operating positionwithjthe d'etent- '66 in'groove 69fand theconical porti'o n' so located that the leg '5lb oftheactuating mechanism hasa relation thereto shown in 'Fig; 7 wherein it is free tomove. When the pressure in "thetank reaches the reserve value, the frodis manually totheposi tion 'of Fig. 8 inwhich the'deteut is "s'iiapp'edinto groove "76; bya downward ptill'bh manual prising oppositely one end operatively connected to said diaphragm and having a portion disposed to cooperate with said valve tassel means 63. In thisposition the conical end; 65 engages the back of the leg 51b of the actuatingmechanism for the primary valve and restricts it in its movement automatically during the downward movement of the diaphragm. This, through the plates on the diaphragm, will cause the actuating mechanism for the secondary valves connected thereto to be operated to connect the inhalation chamber directly to the tank through the secondary, valves and the passages in the valve housing.

If desired, means can be provided for flushing the inhalation chamber and inhaling connections therefrom to remove water or the like material which may be included therein. This is accomplished-by providing on the groove 70 an inclined .wall 70a which permits the conical portion to be moved to the dot and-dash line of Fig. 8. In this position, it will be noted that it will force the leg 51b inwardly and, as shown in Fig. 3, the leg will engage the crossbar 61.which contacts thesecondary valve means and will move it tooperate' the secondary valve means to connect the inhalation chamber directly to the source of gas under pressure and to provide an increased pressure in the chamber to blow out the inhalation hose and connections thereto. As soon as the control rod is released, however, the inclined wall 70a on the groove cooperating with the spring detent will automatically move the rod to the reserve position.

Variations and modifications may be made within the scope of the claims and portions of the improvements may be used without others.

I claim: 1. A breathable gas regulator comprising a casing having a. diaphragm extending thereacross to form an inhalation chamber having an inlet adapted to have a source of breathable gas under pressure connected thereto and having an outlet adapted tohave an inhaling connection leading therefrom, primary valve means mounted in said chamber and connected to said inlet through an interposed pressure reducing means, secondary valve means mounted in said chamber and directly connected to said inlet,

operating means connected to said primary and secondary valve means for operating said valve means to admit gas from the inlet to said chamber, the operating means for the secondary valve means having a greater resistance to movement than the operating means for the primary valve means, and 'valve actuating mechanism comprising pivoted levers, each having one end operatively connected to said diaphragm and having a portion disposed to cooperate With said valve operating means to operate the valve means in accordance with movements of the diaphragm in response to pressure variation in said chamber, and

-manually actuated control means cooperating with said pivoted levers for controlling the valve means to cause the primary valve means to provide a normal operating supply of gas in the chamber and the secondary valve means to provide a normal reserve supply of gas in said chamber.

2. A breathable gas regulator comprising a casing having a diaphragm extending thereacross to form an inhalation chamber having an inlet adapted to have a source vof breathable gas under pressure connected thereto and having an outlet adapted to have an inhaling connection leading therefrom, primary valve means mounted in said chamber and connected to said inlet through an interposed pressure reducing means, secondary valve means mounted in said chamber and directly connected to said inlet,

operating means connected to said primary and secondary valve means and extending in opposite directions for opcrating said valve means to admit gas under predetermined .pressure from the inlet to said chamber, the operating means for the secondary valve means having a greater I, resistance to movement that the operating means for the primary valve, and valve actuating mechanism comextending pivoted levers, each having with movements of the diaphragm in response to pressure variation in said chamber, and manually actuated slidable control means cooperating with said pivoted levers for controlling the valve means to provide a normal operating supply of gas in the chamber. and connect said chamber directly to a normal reserve supply of gas at said inlet,

3. A breathable gas regulator comprising a casing having a diaphragm extending thereacross to form an inhalation chamber having an inlet adapted to have a supply of breathable gas under pressure connected thereto and having an outlet adapted to have an inhaling connection leading therefrom, a valve housing mounted in the chamber and having primary valve means mounted therein and connected to said inlet through an interposed pressure reducing means, secondary valve means mounted in said housing and independently and directly connected to said inlet, operating means connected to said primary and secondary valve means for operating said valve means to admit gas from the inlet to said chamber, the operating means for the secondary valve means having ,a greater resistance to movement than the operating means for the primary valve, and valve actuating mechanism operatively connected to said diaphragm and disposed to cooperate with said primary and secondary valve .operating means to operate the valve means in accordance with movements of the diaphragm in response to pressure variation in said chamber, and manually actuated control means cooperating with said valve actuating vmechanism for controlling the valve means and causing 4. A breathable gas regulator comprising a casing having a diaphragm extending thereacross to form an inhalation chamber having an inlet adapted to have a source of breathable gas under pressure connected thereto and having an outlet adapted to have an inhaling connection leading therefrom, a valve housing mounted in the chamber and having primary valve means mounted therein and connected to said inlet through an interposed pressure reducing means, secondary valve means mounted in said housing and independently and directly connected to said inlet, operating means connected to said primary and secondary valve means and disposed on opposite sides of said housing for operating said valve means to admit gas from the inlet to said chamber, the operating means for the secondary valve means having a greater resistance to movement than the operating means for the primary valve, and valve actuating mechanism f xed sleeve having a rod slidable therein provided with a control portion cooperating with said valve actuating means, and releasable means for holding said control portion in a position free of the actuating mechanism to enable the primaryvalve means to maintain a normal .operating supply of gas in the chamber and having a second position wherein said control portion blocks the movement of the bell crank for the primary valve means and causes the bell crank for the second valve means to overcome said greater resistance to movement of said valve operator and connect the chamber to a reserve supply at said inlet. I v

5. A breathable; gas regulator comprising a casing hay.

in a position tree of the actuating mechanism to enable operating meansfor the secondary'valve' means-having a greater resistance to movement than the operating means for the primary valve, and valve actuating mechanism comprising a pair of oppositely. extending 'bellcranks pivotally mounted on the housing on parallel axes and operatively connected to a pair of hinge plates secured to said diaphragm with the hinge axis parallel to the pivotal axes of said bell cranks, said bell cranks having a portion disposed to cooperate with said primary and secondary valve operating means to operate the valve means in accordance with movements of the diaphragm in response to pressure variation in said chamber, and manually actuated control means comprising a fixed sleeve having a rod slidable therein provided with a control portion cooperating With said valve actuatingmeans, and releasable means for holding said control portion the primary valve means to maintain anornialoperating supply in thechamber' and having' a' s'ec'ondposition Whereinsaid controlpor'tion blocks the movement of'the bell crank for the primary valve means and causes the bell crank for the second valve means to overcome said greater resistance to movement of said valve operator and connect the chamber to a reserve supply at'said inlet.

6. A breathable gas regulator comprising a casing having a diaphragm extending thereacross to form an inhalation chamber having an inlet adapted to have a source of breathable gas under pressure connected thereto and having an outlet adapted to have an inhaling connection leading therefrom, a valve housing mounted in the chamber and having primary valve means mounted therein and connected to said inlet through an interposed pressure reducing means, secondary valve means mounted in said housing and independently and directly connected to said inlet, operating means connected to said primary and secondary valve means and disposed on opposite sides of said housing for operating said valve means to admit gas from the inlet to said chamber, the operating means for the secondary valve means having a greater resistance to movement than the operating means for the primary valve, and valve actuatingmechanism comprising a pair of oppositely extending bell cranks pivotally mounted on the housing and operatively connected to a pair of hinge plates secured to said diaphragm and having a portion disposed to cooperate with said primary and secondary valve operating means to operate the valve means in accordance with movements of the diaphragm in response to pressure variation in said chamben and manually actuated control means comprising a fixed sleeve having a rod slidable therein provided with a control portion cooperating 'vvith said valve actuating means, and releasable'means for holding said control portion in a first position free of the actuating mechanism to enable the primary valve means to maintain a normal operating'supply of gas in the chamber and hav- -in'g-a-"second position wherein said control portion blocks the movement'of the bell crank-for the primary valve means and causes the bell crank for the-second valve means to overcome said greater resistance to movement of-sa'id valve--operator and 'eomieetthe chamber to a 8 reserve supply at'said inlet, and a third position wherein the control portion positively moves the bell cranks in dependently of the movement or the diaphragm to op eratethes'e'cendary valvemeans' andconnect the cham ber directly torhe'z ressure at the inlet to flush the"cham= ber and inhalingc'onnection.

7. A breathable gas regulator comprising a casing having a diaphragm extending there'across to form an inhalatio'n chamber; having an inlet adapted to have a 'so'urco of breathable-gas under pressure connectedthereto and having an outlet adapted to have an inhaling connection-leadingtherefrom, a valve housing mounted in the chainber and having primary valve means mounted therein and connected to said inlet through an inter posedpressurereducing means, secondary valve means mounted in-said'housing and independently and directly connected to said; inlet, operating means connected to said primary and secondary'valve means for operating said valve means to admit gas from the inlet to said chamber, the operating means for the secondary valve means having a greater resistance to movement than the operating means for the primary valve, and valve actuating-mechanism operatively connected to said dia'- phragm and disposed to cooperate with said primary and' secondary valve operating means to operate the valve means in accordance with movements of the diaphragm in response topressure variation in said chamber, and manually actuated control means cooperating with said valve actuating mechanism for controlling the valve means, said control means being free of said actuating mechanism for normal" operating pressures in the chamber and being movable into a reserve positionand into blocking relation with the primary'valveactuatingmecha nis'm to cause the secondary valve actuating mechanism to operate the secondary valve means'to provide a normal reserve supply in said chamber.

8. A breathable gasregulator comprising acasing having a diaphragm extending thereacross' to form an inhalation chamber having an inlet adapted to have a source of breathable gas under pressure connected thereto and having an outlet adapted to have an inhaling connection leading therefrom, a valve housing mounted in the chamber and having primary valve means mounted therein and connected to said inlet through an interposed pressure reducing means, secondary valve means mounted in said housing and independently and directly connected to'said inlet, operating means connected to said primary and secondary valve means and disposed on opposite sides of said housing for operating said valve'means to admit 'gas from the inlet to said chamber, the operating means for the secondary valve means having a'greater resistance to movement than the operating means for the primary valve, and valve actuating mechanism comprising pivoted link means for each valve means having one end operatively connected to said diaphragm and having a portion disposed to cooperate with said valve operating means to operate the valve means in accordance with movements of the diaphragm in response to pressure variation in said chamber, and manually actuated control means controlling said valve actuating mechanism to cause the primary valve means to provide a normal operating supply of gas in the chamber and the secondary valve means to connect said chamber 'to-a reserve supply at said inlet.

9. In a regulator for breathable gas having a housing andvalve means for controlling a flow of breathable gas from a's'o'ur'ce'of'supply thereof under high pressure'to'an inhalation chamber in said housing, the combination'of a diaphragm connected to said chamber and movable in accordance with variations in pressure in said inhalation chamber,,pivoted link means connected to and movable by said diaphragm for actuating said valve means to restore and maintain a supply of" gas under predetermined pressure in said chamber, and manually actuated c911- trol means cooperating with said levers to control the operation of said valve means, said control means comprising a fixed sleeve having a rod slidable therein and provided with a control portion cooperating with said levers and means for holding said control portion in a first position in which said levers are free thereof and operate the valve means to maintain a normal operating supply of gas in the chamber until the pressure in the source reaches a normal operating minimum, in a second position wherein said lever means operate the valve means to directly connect a reserve supply of gas in said source to said chamber for supplying reserve gas at pressures lower than said minimum, and in a third position wherein the actuating mechanism is operated independently of the movement of the diaphragm for directly connecting the high pressure source to the chamber for flushing the chamber.

10. In a regulator for breathable gas having a housing and valve means for controlling a flow of breathable gas from a source of supply thereof under high pressure to an inhalation chamber in said housing, the combination of a diaphragm connected to said chamber and movable in accordance with variations in pressure in said inhalation chamber, pivoted link means connected to and movable by said diaphragm for actuating said valve means to restore and maintain a supply of gas under predetermined prasure in said chamber, and control means cooperating with said levers to control the operation of said valve means, said control means comprising a fixed sleeve having a rod slidable therein and provided with a control portion cooperating with said levers and a pair of annular grooves, and detent means including a resilient wire to be located in one of said grooves for holding said control portion in a first position in which said levers are free thereof to operate the valve means to maintain a normal operating supply of gas in the chamber until the pressure in the source reaches a normal operating minimum, said wire being located in the other of said grooves for holding the rod and control portion in a second position wherein said lever means operate the valve means to directly connect a reserve supply of gas in said source to said chamber for supplying gas at pressures lower than said minimum, said other groove having a forwardly inclined wall enabling said rod to be moved against the resilient action of the wire to a third position wherein the actuating mechanism is operated independently of the movement of the diaphragm for directly connecting the source to the chamber for flushing the chamber.

No references cited. 2 

